City of Seattle - Community Power Works Loan Program

Community Power Works, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Program, offers loans and rebates for eligible energy efficiency improvements to homes.  In addition, Community Power Works partners with Seattle City Light to offer energy assessments at a reduced rate of $125 for homeowners. 

Once a home is assessed, customers select energy efficiency improvements, choose a contractor from a pool of approved contractors, and apply for financing.  Loan amounts are calculated after factoring in other rebates and incentives.  Loans are available from two lending partners.  Craft3 loans are available for $1,500 to $30,000, with interest rates fixed at 3.39% APR or 4.49% APR, depending on the income level of the homeowner.  Loan terms range from up to 20 years, and loans are typically repaid on Seattle City Light bills. Loans through Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union are available for $1,000 to $50,000, with interest rates fixed between 4.25% and 8.74%. Loan terms up to 15 years are available. Renewable energy projects, such as solar, can be included in Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union loans. 

Federal funding for City Power Works will run out in 2014, but the program will continue to operate in partnership with Seattle City Light, Seattle's Office of Sustainability and Environment, and the Washington State Community Energy Efficiency Program, as well as regional collaboration with Clean Energy Works.